Blog Tracker
09-04-2023, 21:54
Visit the Paul Bailey's Beer Blog site (https://baileysbeerblog.blogspot.com/2023/04/a-quick-catch-up.html)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0NEgfPay2JJXG6HJgIIhASXPgCvGs7Qwec4uEtWjc_ g8e0OKDdnpYYrDvzIp_UVUztAKnbUEhQd5QbrIsJ-HVyUzBfs4wkyhA0To5zcEdYD5tBrlDr2BSzsF9ycLzySnJmwhT yZmdDRkLRgKFdfFGBv85EcJ3HU-X7D0Nh_5pteb1iiGs7tTEXCl/w225-h400/IMG_20230329_121608.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0NEgfPay2JJXG6HJgIIhASXPgCvGs7Qwec4uEtWjc_ g8e0OKDdnpYYrDvzIp_UVUztAKnbUEhQd5QbrIsJ-HVyUzBfs4wkyhA0To5zcEdYD5tBrlDr2BSzsF9ycLzySnJmwhT yZmdDRkLRgKFdfFGBv85EcJ3HU-X7D0Nh_5pteb1iiGs7tTEXCl/s4000/IMG_20230329_121608.jpg)
I’m conscious of the fact that it’s almost a week since mylast post, but the truth of the matter is there hasn’t been that much for me towrite about. Re-phrased, that perhaps ought to read, there hasn’t been muchhappening that I care to write about, despite having a couple of posts in draftstage, and one that is fully complete, and ready to go. That particular one relates to my visit to GreenacresWoodland Burials Centre on the outskirts of Norwich, where I went topay respects to my parents at their final resting place. I haven’t hit the“publish” key yet, primarily because it’s a rather personal piece, which istotally unconnected to the principal themes of this blog, which are beer andtravel. I could argue that my visit to Greenacres, was what broughtme to Norwich in the first place, and whilst I certainly made full use of mytime in the city, there are many other towns and cities in this fair land ofours that I would prefer to visit instead. Nothing against Norwich, of course,but it’s a city I am quite familiar with and one which, not always for theright reasons, I associate with my parents in their twilight years.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rj2ZDgD2zDJ4oj8yIA_3vScmjQtuME9d_GGhubv11d HOHQ4hlr5YqjyaJmIU8O5iwScFdsjEskIraujuBB72e0BEGTg6 jquatMGdE2_E8npQfxPIVlbeaJYOPQDDMbUR4ls_3H3kLEhB-lGty50NWwKx9OU5c90UFbys66KCkUm7HxhlrC_W1LBe/w400-h225/IDS%20Stands.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rj2ZDgD2zDJ4oj8yIA_3vScmjQtuME9d_GGhubv11d HOHQ4hlr5YqjyaJmIU8O5iwScFdsjEskIraujuBB72e0BEGTg6 jquatMGdE2_E8npQfxPIVlbeaJYOPQDDMbUR4ls_3H3kLEhB-lGty50NWwKx9OU5c90UFbys66KCkUm7HxhlrC_W1LBe/s4000/IDS%20Stands.jpg)
The truth is, I’ve been feeling a little maudlin of late,and also rather tired. I’m not sure why I should feel this way, although I've beenkept rather busy at work. I did find those four days in Cologne, manning thecompany exhibition stand, very tiring, as each day involved a nine-hour sessionwhere I was on my feet and also under artificial light, for much of the time.If I’m asked to help out at the next show – in two years’ time, I shall requesta 3-day maximum stint, but 2025 is a long way off at the moment.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60yRXpEvPC8hCPDpUWs8nLgKSHu2i7FxwRx-cbsb5bVrlGD9eFI31b_oqsIFX0YcWjfZfRDBTEdim7hf5bFgoV fTrQR-CLt_hsSOnfsPcQJ1O-0OC-7Gxzv7UuB6TbIMU0lRKd3hEtAdPMPMCvLpd0Lm611MxG0do3t9 UZ9L19ABWRZ8rmmxH3kKj/w400-h221/NDW%20Start%20mark.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60yRXpEvPC8hCPDpUWs8nLgKSHu2i7FxwRx-cbsb5bVrlGD9eFI31b_oqsIFX0YcWjfZfRDBTEdim7hf5bFgoV fTrQR-CLt_hsSOnfsPcQJ1O-0OC-7Gxzv7UuB6TbIMU0lRKd3hEtAdPMPMCvLpd0Lm611MxG0do3t9 UZ9L19ABWRZ8rmmxH3kKj/s3788/NDW%20Start%20mark.jpg)
Because of feeling knackered, I rather uncharacteristically skippedthis year’s Good Friday Ramble. I’d been having second thoughts regarding this8-mile hike, which might seem surprising revelation for someone who undertook a12-mile walk from Guildford to Farnham, last September, in order to completethe North Downs Way. Now that was heavy going, especially towards the end, butwith that in mind, shouldn’t an 8-mile walk be a doddle?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6FS0lqLx87IOLIAh8E8AZHW_nC1ob3RHtRg_dxwyWo ysPfs-Ea7UM-DVUnAUxZpo__0M2KZu4ByQvKJ4D_xYCLv4v1tMGaz2bxp_NBi3 sIGK7cPol6B1hQdt8yV85MIS-QLalTQ2NRSPm_YGYMYWvfw24-GZoVL1RJmLNCXFGyKH5sFKZ5zqI3d3/w400-h225/IMG_20220415_124748.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6FS0lqLx87IOLIAh8E8AZHW_nC1ob3RHtRg_dxwyWo ysPfs-Ea7UM-DVUnAUxZpo__0M2KZu4ByQvKJ4D_xYCLv4v1tMGaz2bxp_NBi3 sIGK7cPol6B1hQdt8yV85MIS-QLalTQ2NRSPm_YGYMYWvfw24-GZoVL1RJmLNCXFGyKH5sFKZ5zqI3d3/s4000/IMG_20220415_124748.jpg)
It depends on circumstances, and the actual time frameinvolved. I had all day to complete that final NDW section, and there wasn’tthe obvious distraction of a lengthy pub-stop half-way through! Three orpossibly even four pints, together with a substantial meal, would lay heavy inanyone’s stomach, and I remember well the effect that just a couple oflunchtime pints, plus a sandwich can have on one’s ability to get going again. Thisdoesn’t just apply to me, and I think it’s true that the first mile or so,after resting in a pub, really is hard work. It’s often better to stop for justa short break, say 15 minutes maximum, rather than anything longer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zLK1sMRaRIuXtPzslati62z8BMNuSeb_0JLDD_ru5L tcyauvLlpKyDFik_2xgdc4N5aJ26MNwQPwS7JcRdGWO-q1hi73KkpoibPJlYPiux3YV0jYtOD-yUIuBthoIqAGnrdUjT4ygvca0embTJXCwCMaEX2CQXhKMsC9k0 gTdPwStsg7LSEzh2Wi/w400-h300/DSC00224.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zLK1sMRaRIuXtPzslati62z8BMNuSeb_0JLDD_ru5L tcyauvLlpKyDFik_2xgdc4N5aJ26MNwQPwS7JcRdGWO-q1hi73KkpoibPJlYPiux3YV0jYtOD-yUIuBthoIqAGnrdUjT4ygvca0embTJXCwCMaEX2CQXhKMsC9k0 gTdPwStsg7LSEzh2Wi/s2048/DSC00224.JPG)
I remember this effect from when I walked the equallylengthy South Downs Way. That was a decade and a half ago, and unfortunately those15 years do make a difference, especially as I get nearer to my 70thbirthday! I’ve got a couple of years to go yet, but backing out of the Good FridayRamble was a case of discretion being the better part of valour. My finalexcuse is, that as a slow walker, I often find myself struggling to keep upwith the rest of the group, and for this reason why I usually prefer walking onmy own. It's a shame, as I was looking forward to catching up withold friends over a beer or two, whilst enjoying a bite to eat, at a pub Irarely frequent. I did check the public transport options before taking thedecision to cancel, but the timings weren’t on my side. The ramble involved ahike of just over 4 miles to the Darnley Arms, from Cuxton rail station, andthen a return walk of a similar distance, back. Surely, I thought, asubstantial village such as Cobham must have a bus service, and indeed it does.Unfortunately, there was no service on Good Friday, which was a shame, as a businto Gravesend, post-pub visit, would have been the ideal solution.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-zQH5-oDrjYH8qGJbhKceJ5LtPLBcnAPu7hZ0CcA_pCnX353wq18kAS1 2sLfta8Nqr9YYwpbg0r0WSAm2Dqlq0H7yvUZXtkXr6zCn6-Pzz3awwalbugFZ34mLYORlPfWdh8ZAOSQwj5CI6h0x4FFrgjkO MWpFgmipEDw5Zjl9JoG6wrHxa4b4k1N/w340-h400/Screenshot%202023-04-09%20at%2022-13-58%20(13%20673%20unread)%20-%20dropofrealale@yahoo.co.uk%20-%20Yahoo%20Mail.png (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-zQH5-oDrjYH8qGJbhKceJ5LtPLBcnAPu7hZ0CcA_pCnX353wq18kAS1 2sLfta8Nqr9YYwpbg0r0WSAm2Dqlq0H7yvUZXtkXr6zCn6-Pzz3awwalbugFZ34mLYORlPfWdh8ZAOSQwj5CI6h0x4FFrgjkO MWpFgmipEDw5Zjl9JoG6wrHxa4b4k1N/s747/Screenshot%202023-04-09%20at%2022-13-58%20(13%20673%20unread)%20-%20dropofrealale@yahoo.co.uk%20-%20Yahoo%20Mail.png)
Instead, I played the dutiful family member and accompaniedEileen and Matthew on a drive down to Uckfield, to visit her sister and her niece.Matthew drove us down, in his shiny-new Ford Focus, and it was a nice treat tobe driven, for a change. It would also have allowed me to enjoy a glass or two ofbeer, but it wasn’t that sort of visit!On Saturday we called in at Fuggles Bottle Shop in TunbridgeWells. It’s my birthday next week and Mrs PBT’s took the opportunity to buy afew bottles to help me mark the event. I selected four German, one Belgian andone British beer, as you can see here, on the attached receipt. The RodenbachGrand Cru should be interesting, as it is a blend of two-thirds mature beer andone-third young beer. The more common, Rodenbach Classic, which is thebrewery’s original Flemish red ale, is a blend of one-quarter “mature” beer andthree-quarters “young” beer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DrS7YUK01DFJ_Zu_aAvI6bhQ7aKvYU5nDEBm8dSmX_ C8rEjumy17KENiWEcKVeks-42R2Y27IdKcRoMRhb-p0Yd74ypYvwBt8n9QD9SIt3_cYL6j7FZf0geFCMb4KuvXl5kmC mcsugiR_BObWGez-VJanid4_GSk7xW1ch9SLB2-UF-IffCLikLZ/w400-h300/DSCN0390.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DrS7YUK01DFJ_Zu_aAvI6bhQ7aKvYU5nDEBm8dSmX_ C8rEjumy17KENiWEcKVeks-42R2Y27IdKcRoMRhb-p0Yd74ypYvwBt8n9QD9SIt3_cYL6j7FZf0geFCMb4KuvXl5kmC mcsugiR_BObWGez-VJanid4_GSk7xW1ch9SLB2-UF-IffCLikLZ/s4608/DSCN0390.jpg)
As an aside, I visited the Rodenbach Brewery (https://vinepair.com/articles/best-sour-beer-rodenbach-belgium/) at the town of Roeselare,whilst on a two-day tour of West Flanders, in the summer of 2015. For those whohave heard the name, but are unfamiliar with the beer, Rodenbach is a sour beer (https://vinepair.com/explore/category-type/sour-beer/) thatis aged for a minimum of two years in giant oak casks called foeders. Thefoeders are made from 150-year-old French oak, each with the capacity of about8,000 gallons of beer. There are 294 of these oak foeders at the brewery, and theyhold what the company believes is the largest collection of wood-aged beer inthe world.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6FHMDasvKbn7aJmdzw89PH7Ye06rOrwSeaUVPn0hed A0s6fVsi9NeYwsMuKoaUzkixFx1jGMXhzvrKXBjebp--utDMtsoyxq-zAHvEK6wk_XYX4FG14rm9NIn0g-8jNeDaL2ROXajbrlReEvmd037JQi-QSKsZDcI0Y1HCP7py7mcesWe51kCEII/w281-h400/T%20Wells%20Circular.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6FHMDasvKbn7aJmdzw89PH7Ye06rOrwSeaUVPn0hed A0s6fVsi9NeYwsMuKoaUzkixFx1jGMXhzvrKXBjebp--utDMtsoyxq-zAHvEK6wk_XYX4FG14rm9NIn0g-8jNeDaL2ROXajbrlReEvmd037JQi-QSKsZDcI0Y1HCP7py7mcesWe51kCEII/s500/T%20Wells%20Circular.jpg)
Returning to more mundane matters, I’ve spent much of thepast two days in the garden, and was planning a short hike for Easter Monday,but the weather isn’t playing ball. I’ve still got two-thirds of the Southboroughto Pembury section of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk to complete, but ashiking in the pouring rain has zero appeal, I shall look elsewhere foramusement. I will spend some time catching up on the blog, but I needto call in at Tonbridge railway station, at some time, in order to collect myticket for Friday’s outing to Birmingham. Now that is something I am reallylooking forward to, and I can combine my visit to the station, with an escapeto the pub. So, until the next post,TTFN.
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https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0NEgfPay2JJXG6HJgIIhASXPgCvGs7Qwec4uEtWjc_ g8e0OKDdnpYYrDvzIp_UVUztAKnbUEhQd5QbrIsJ-HVyUzBfs4wkyhA0To5zcEdYD5tBrlDr2BSzsF9ycLzySnJmwhT yZmdDRkLRgKFdfFGBv85EcJ3HU-X7D0Nh_5pteb1iiGs7tTEXCl/w225-h400/IMG_20230329_121608.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0NEgfPay2JJXG6HJgIIhASXPgCvGs7Qwec4uEtWjc_ g8e0OKDdnpYYrDvzIp_UVUztAKnbUEhQd5QbrIsJ-HVyUzBfs4wkyhA0To5zcEdYD5tBrlDr2BSzsF9ycLzySnJmwhT yZmdDRkLRgKFdfFGBv85EcJ3HU-X7D0Nh_5pteb1iiGs7tTEXCl/s4000/IMG_20230329_121608.jpg)
I’m conscious of the fact that it’s almost a week since mylast post, but the truth of the matter is there hasn’t been that much for me towrite about. Re-phrased, that perhaps ought to read, there hasn’t been muchhappening that I care to write about, despite having a couple of posts in draftstage, and one that is fully complete, and ready to go. That particular one relates to my visit to GreenacresWoodland Burials Centre on the outskirts of Norwich, where I went topay respects to my parents at their final resting place. I haven’t hit the“publish” key yet, primarily because it’s a rather personal piece, which istotally unconnected to the principal themes of this blog, which are beer andtravel. I could argue that my visit to Greenacres, was what broughtme to Norwich in the first place, and whilst I certainly made full use of mytime in the city, there are many other towns and cities in this fair land ofours that I would prefer to visit instead. Nothing against Norwich, of course,but it’s a city I am quite familiar with and one which, not always for theright reasons, I associate with my parents in their twilight years.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rj2ZDgD2zDJ4oj8yIA_3vScmjQtuME9d_GGhubv11d HOHQ4hlr5YqjyaJmIU8O5iwScFdsjEskIraujuBB72e0BEGTg6 jquatMGdE2_E8npQfxPIVlbeaJYOPQDDMbUR4ls_3H3kLEhB-lGty50NWwKx9OU5c90UFbys66KCkUm7HxhlrC_W1LBe/w400-h225/IDS%20Stands.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Rj2ZDgD2zDJ4oj8yIA_3vScmjQtuME9d_GGhubv11d HOHQ4hlr5YqjyaJmIU8O5iwScFdsjEskIraujuBB72e0BEGTg6 jquatMGdE2_E8npQfxPIVlbeaJYOPQDDMbUR4ls_3H3kLEhB-lGty50NWwKx9OU5c90UFbys66KCkUm7HxhlrC_W1LBe/s4000/IDS%20Stands.jpg)
The truth is, I’ve been feeling a little maudlin of late,and also rather tired. I’m not sure why I should feel this way, although I've beenkept rather busy at work. I did find those four days in Cologne, manning thecompany exhibition stand, very tiring, as each day involved a nine-hour sessionwhere I was on my feet and also under artificial light, for much of the time.If I’m asked to help out at the next show – in two years’ time, I shall requesta 3-day maximum stint, but 2025 is a long way off at the moment.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60yRXpEvPC8hCPDpUWs8nLgKSHu2i7FxwRx-cbsb5bVrlGD9eFI31b_oqsIFX0YcWjfZfRDBTEdim7hf5bFgoV fTrQR-CLt_hsSOnfsPcQJ1O-0OC-7Gxzv7UuB6TbIMU0lRKd3hEtAdPMPMCvLpd0Lm611MxG0do3t9 UZ9L19ABWRZ8rmmxH3kKj/w400-h221/NDW%20Start%20mark.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60yRXpEvPC8hCPDpUWs8nLgKSHu2i7FxwRx-cbsb5bVrlGD9eFI31b_oqsIFX0YcWjfZfRDBTEdim7hf5bFgoV fTrQR-CLt_hsSOnfsPcQJ1O-0OC-7Gxzv7UuB6TbIMU0lRKd3hEtAdPMPMCvLpd0Lm611MxG0do3t9 UZ9L19ABWRZ8rmmxH3kKj/s3788/NDW%20Start%20mark.jpg)
Because of feeling knackered, I rather uncharacteristically skippedthis year’s Good Friday Ramble. I’d been having second thoughts regarding this8-mile hike, which might seem surprising revelation for someone who undertook a12-mile walk from Guildford to Farnham, last September, in order to completethe North Downs Way. Now that was heavy going, especially towards the end, butwith that in mind, shouldn’t an 8-mile walk be a doddle?
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6FS0lqLx87IOLIAh8E8AZHW_nC1ob3RHtRg_dxwyWo ysPfs-Ea7UM-DVUnAUxZpo__0M2KZu4ByQvKJ4D_xYCLv4v1tMGaz2bxp_NBi3 sIGK7cPol6B1hQdt8yV85MIS-QLalTQ2NRSPm_YGYMYWvfw24-GZoVL1RJmLNCXFGyKH5sFKZ5zqI3d3/w400-h225/IMG_20220415_124748.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6FS0lqLx87IOLIAh8E8AZHW_nC1ob3RHtRg_dxwyWo ysPfs-Ea7UM-DVUnAUxZpo__0M2KZu4ByQvKJ4D_xYCLv4v1tMGaz2bxp_NBi3 sIGK7cPol6B1hQdt8yV85MIS-QLalTQ2NRSPm_YGYMYWvfw24-GZoVL1RJmLNCXFGyKH5sFKZ5zqI3d3/s4000/IMG_20220415_124748.jpg)
It depends on circumstances, and the actual time frameinvolved. I had all day to complete that final NDW section, and there wasn’tthe obvious distraction of a lengthy pub-stop half-way through! Three orpossibly even four pints, together with a substantial meal, would lay heavy inanyone’s stomach, and I remember well the effect that just a couple oflunchtime pints, plus a sandwich can have on one’s ability to get going again. Thisdoesn’t just apply to me, and I think it’s true that the first mile or so,after resting in a pub, really is hard work. It’s often better to stop for justa short break, say 15 minutes maximum, rather than anything longer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zLK1sMRaRIuXtPzslati62z8BMNuSeb_0JLDD_ru5L tcyauvLlpKyDFik_2xgdc4N5aJ26MNwQPwS7JcRdGWO-q1hi73KkpoibPJlYPiux3YV0jYtOD-yUIuBthoIqAGnrdUjT4ygvca0embTJXCwCMaEX2CQXhKMsC9k0 gTdPwStsg7LSEzh2Wi/w400-h300/DSC00224.JPG (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zLK1sMRaRIuXtPzslati62z8BMNuSeb_0JLDD_ru5L tcyauvLlpKyDFik_2xgdc4N5aJ26MNwQPwS7JcRdGWO-q1hi73KkpoibPJlYPiux3YV0jYtOD-yUIuBthoIqAGnrdUjT4ygvca0embTJXCwCMaEX2CQXhKMsC9k0 gTdPwStsg7LSEzh2Wi/s2048/DSC00224.JPG)
I remember this effect from when I walked the equallylengthy South Downs Way. That was a decade and a half ago, and unfortunately those15 years do make a difference, especially as I get nearer to my 70thbirthday! I’ve got a couple of years to go yet, but backing out of the Good FridayRamble was a case of discretion being the better part of valour. My finalexcuse is, that as a slow walker, I often find myself struggling to keep upwith the rest of the group, and for this reason why I usually prefer walking onmy own. It's a shame, as I was looking forward to catching up withold friends over a beer or two, whilst enjoying a bite to eat, at a pub Irarely frequent. I did check the public transport options before taking thedecision to cancel, but the timings weren’t on my side. The ramble involved ahike of just over 4 miles to the Darnley Arms, from Cuxton rail station, andthen a return walk of a similar distance, back. Surely, I thought, asubstantial village such as Cobham must have a bus service, and indeed it does.Unfortunately, there was no service on Good Friday, which was a shame, as a businto Gravesend, post-pub visit, would have been the ideal solution.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-zQH5-oDrjYH8qGJbhKceJ5LtPLBcnAPu7hZ0CcA_pCnX353wq18kAS1 2sLfta8Nqr9YYwpbg0r0WSAm2Dqlq0H7yvUZXtkXr6zCn6-Pzz3awwalbugFZ34mLYORlPfWdh8ZAOSQwj5CI6h0x4FFrgjkO MWpFgmipEDw5Zjl9JoG6wrHxa4b4k1N/w340-h400/Screenshot%202023-04-09%20at%2022-13-58%20(13%20673%20unread)%20-%20dropofrealale@yahoo.co.uk%20-%20Yahoo%20Mail.png (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-zQH5-oDrjYH8qGJbhKceJ5LtPLBcnAPu7hZ0CcA_pCnX353wq18kAS1 2sLfta8Nqr9YYwpbg0r0WSAm2Dqlq0H7yvUZXtkXr6zCn6-Pzz3awwalbugFZ34mLYORlPfWdh8ZAOSQwj5CI6h0x4FFrgjkO MWpFgmipEDw5Zjl9JoG6wrHxa4b4k1N/s747/Screenshot%202023-04-09%20at%2022-13-58%20(13%20673%20unread)%20-%20dropofrealale@yahoo.co.uk%20-%20Yahoo%20Mail.png)
Instead, I played the dutiful family member and accompaniedEileen and Matthew on a drive down to Uckfield, to visit her sister and her niece.Matthew drove us down, in his shiny-new Ford Focus, and it was a nice treat tobe driven, for a change. It would also have allowed me to enjoy a glass or two ofbeer, but it wasn’t that sort of visit!On Saturday we called in at Fuggles Bottle Shop in TunbridgeWells. It’s my birthday next week and Mrs PBT’s took the opportunity to buy afew bottles to help me mark the event. I selected four German, one Belgian andone British beer, as you can see here, on the attached receipt. The RodenbachGrand Cru should be interesting, as it is a blend of two-thirds mature beer andone-third young beer. The more common, Rodenbach Classic, which is thebrewery’s original Flemish red ale, is a blend of one-quarter “mature” beer andthree-quarters “young” beer.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DrS7YUK01DFJ_Zu_aAvI6bhQ7aKvYU5nDEBm8dSmX_ C8rEjumy17KENiWEcKVeks-42R2Y27IdKcRoMRhb-p0Yd74ypYvwBt8n9QD9SIt3_cYL6j7FZf0geFCMb4KuvXl5kmC mcsugiR_BObWGez-VJanid4_GSk7xW1ch9SLB2-UF-IffCLikLZ/w400-h300/DSCN0390.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DrS7YUK01DFJ_Zu_aAvI6bhQ7aKvYU5nDEBm8dSmX_ C8rEjumy17KENiWEcKVeks-42R2Y27IdKcRoMRhb-p0Yd74ypYvwBt8n9QD9SIt3_cYL6j7FZf0geFCMb4KuvXl5kmC mcsugiR_BObWGez-VJanid4_GSk7xW1ch9SLB2-UF-IffCLikLZ/s4608/DSCN0390.jpg)
As an aside, I visited the Rodenbach Brewery (https://vinepair.com/articles/best-sour-beer-rodenbach-belgium/) at the town of Roeselare,whilst on a two-day tour of West Flanders, in the summer of 2015. For those whohave heard the name, but are unfamiliar with the beer, Rodenbach is a sour beer (https://vinepair.com/explore/category-type/sour-beer/) thatis aged for a minimum of two years in giant oak casks called foeders. Thefoeders are made from 150-year-old French oak, each with the capacity of about8,000 gallons of beer. There are 294 of these oak foeders at the brewery, and theyhold what the company believes is the largest collection of wood-aged beer inthe world.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6FHMDasvKbn7aJmdzw89PH7Ye06rOrwSeaUVPn0hed A0s6fVsi9NeYwsMuKoaUzkixFx1jGMXhzvrKXBjebp--utDMtsoyxq-zAHvEK6wk_XYX4FG14rm9NIn0g-8jNeDaL2ROXajbrlReEvmd037JQi-QSKsZDcI0Y1HCP7py7mcesWe51kCEII/w281-h400/T%20Wells%20Circular.jpg (https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ6FHMDasvKbn7aJmdzw89PH7Ye06rOrwSeaUVPn0hed A0s6fVsi9NeYwsMuKoaUzkixFx1jGMXhzvrKXBjebp--utDMtsoyxq-zAHvEK6wk_XYX4FG14rm9NIn0g-8jNeDaL2ROXajbrlReEvmd037JQi-QSKsZDcI0Y1HCP7py7mcesWe51kCEII/s500/T%20Wells%20Circular.jpg)
Returning to more mundane matters, I’ve spent much of thepast two days in the garden, and was planning a short hike for Easter Monday,but the weather isn’t playing ball. I’ve still got two-thirds of the Southboroughto Pembury section of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk to complete, but ashiking in the pouring rain has zero appeal, I shall look elsewhere foramusement. I will spend some time catching up on the blog, but I needto call in at Tonbridge railway station, at some time, in order to collect myticket for Friday’s outing to Birmingham. Now that is something I am reallylooking forward to, and I can combine my visit to the station, with an escapeto the pub. So, until the next post,TTFN.
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